A04_SOW_Phragmites_Aerial_Spraying_2025.pdf

SCOPE OF WORK

Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge

702 E Xavier Rd, Kirwin, KS 67644

Title: Kirwin NWR Phragmites Aerial Helicopter Application 2025

PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION STATEMENT

STATEMENT OF NEED

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) manages a variety of habitats to support native ecological communities (plants and wildlife). Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) has identified many ecological benefits of the removal of invasive plant species, especially invasive phragmites, on shorebirds and waterfowl.

OVERALL WORK

The contractor will supply all necessary equipment and labor to perform a helicopter aerial spray for invasive phragmites on approximately 200 acres. It is strongly suggested that the contractor plan a site visit to visualize the scope of project, ground conditions, etc. prior to submitting for the project. The

Refuge will supply the needed chemical (Polaris and Trophy Gold).

*Reminder that the project cost includes all expenses (relocation fee, helicopter spot spraying per hour, etc.), but the cost of chemical is not included.

SPECIFIC PROJECT DETAILS

The Refuge supports an abundance of native wetlands that phragmites patches are invading. Because of this, spraying accuracy is important to avoid disturbing or killing the native vegetation. Since helicopters have better accuracy than fixed-wing aircraft, a helicopter with boom sprayer will be utilized for this project. Phragmites grows in dense patches and has underground rhizomes that extend beyond the observable patch. To achieve the best results, a 50-foot buffer will be sprayed around the patches. This buffer is included in the total acreage. Spraying is directly influenced by weather. Imazapyr can only be sprayed when wind speeds are of 10 mph or less, according to the herbicide label.

START AND END DATE/HOURS OF OPERATION

Timing of chemical treatment of phragmites is important in achieving desired results as well as for the species that occupy that area. Chemical treatment of phragmites is permitted between mid-August and mid-September to October (first frost). Treatment between mid-August and mid-September is dependent on the occurrence of species of concern and associated habitat conditions. Application of imazapyr and surfactant to phragmites can occur during the green growing stage or when it starts to bloom.

Project work will take place during regular business hours for the Refuge (Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). The preferred timing of treatment will be in September. Early treatment in October will be difficult and limited as fall migration of waterfowl, including endangered whooping cranes, migrate to and through the refuge. If extended time is needed, it will need to be cleared with the Station

Manager or alternate point of contact (e.g., Maintenance Worker).

COMMUNICATION

Before project work begins, the contractor will meet with the Station Manager, point of contact, and necessary staff members to review work plans and should remain in frequent communication throughout the project. The contractor is expected to update Refuge staff when moving between locations and report daily accomplishments. Based on the work plans for treatment, access to certain areas by the public and

Refuge staff may be closed temporarily.

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE

Each site will be inspected by U.S. Fish and Wildlife personnel upon notification by the contractor that chemical treatment is complete for each site and ready for inspection.

SAFETY, PERMITS, and FEES

The contractor shall ensure that all appropriate local, state, and federal safety and accident-prevention requirements are met throughout the course of the project. Areas of consideration should include emergency communications in the field, an emergency contact list, first aid preparedness, personal protective equipment, equipment fueling, fire suppression and public safety considerations. The contractor is expected to work in a safe manner to minimize the hazards to themselves, Refuge staff, and the public.

The contractor shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary local, state, and federal permits and licenses, and payment of related fees, per the contract.

All work shall comply and conform with codes and standards applicable to all regulations and statutes of the State of Kansas and to all Federal regulations which apply.

POINT OF CONTACT

For additional information or to schedule a site visit please contact Station Manager, Jillian Boyd at 308-

238-8260 (C), 785-543-6673 ext. 14 (O), or jillian_boyd@fws.gov.

mailto:jillian_boyd@fws.gov

APPENDIX

Map showing the three locations, equaling approximately 200 acres of invasive phragmites on Kirwin

NWR.